ATHENS – The situation in refugee and migrant reception centres and the problems that have arisen due to the health crisis dominated a video conference between main opposition SYRIZA MPs in Thessaloniki and representatives of non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

According to a statement from SYRIZA on Thursday, "during the teleconference, the hasty and superficial way in which the government is examining asylum applications and housing was highlighted, a problem which has become particularly acute during the extraordinary conditions we are facing." They also wondered why the government has not decided to use the hotels that are currently closed as a result of the crisis, especially for vulnerable groups.

SYRIZA MPs were informed about the funding problems, the lack of staff and stagnation of the asylum process, an increase in the number of informal deportations and the issue of unaccompanied children.

Opposition lawmakers accused the government of "methodically discrediting NGOs to the point of cannibalism" and accused it of having "encouraged right-wing reflexes" in local communities now objecting to the resettlement of refugees, in order to glean political gains.